Strong January Jobs Data Expected to Lift Dow and S&P on February 15

U.S. economic momentum is expected to drive early February gains in major indices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release January nonfarm payrolls and employment data on February 15, 2026. Preliminary signals point to a strong report, with economists polling a 70% chance of 250,000 nonfarm payrolls and an unemployment rate near 3.8%. If confirmed, the report would reinforce Fed policy expectations and likely boost risk-on sentiment, supporting gains in the Dow Jones and S&P 500 ahead of the open.